College of the Atlantic

Non-profit

Private

Regional

With just 350 students and 35 faculty members, the College of the Atlantic creates an intimate learning environment that encourages collaboration and intellectual risk. Each student at the college builds their own interdisciplinary course of study within the broader field of human ecology. For instance, students interested in careers in environmental policy may design a curriculum that includes courses in community planning, environmental law, and climate change and energy. At the end of their undergraduate studies, all COA students must also complete a senior project that synthesizes their learning and applies it to a real-world challenge. Examples of past capstones include a research study on the rise of Lyme disease in Maine, an oral history project focused on aging, and a podcast meant to introduce young children to biology and anatomy. Applying to the college requires a high school diploma or GED and three letters of recommendation. Prospective students may also elect to submit ACT or SAT scores or a portfolio of creative or professional work.

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Admissions Breakdown

Acceptance Rate Insight

9% of students were accepted during the 2020-2021 school year. Sometimes schools with midrange acceptance rates have higher standards of entry but are still accessible to many students who apply.

Retention Rate Insight

86% of full-time students stayed to continue their studies the following academic year. These students started in Fall 2019 and returned in Fall 2020.

Graduation Rate Insight

95% of students graduated out of all full-time, first-time students who began their studies in Fall 2014. Keep in mind many students who enroll are not typically first-time students, as most are adult learners. Therefore, the number of first-time students is traditionally low.

Application Considerations

Test scores:
Not required or recommended
High school transcript:
Required
High school rank:
Recommended
Letter of recommendation:
Required
High school GPA:
Recommended
Open admission:
No
Completion of college prep program:
Required
Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL):
Required

Transfer Credit Policy

Dual enrollment: Implied no

Advance placement (AP) credits: Yes

Credit for qualified life experience*: Implied no

*This can include previous jobs, trainings, licenses/credentials, or seminars. You may need to complete an exam or provide a portfolio to earn credit.

Learning Environment

Students enrolledInformation not availableOnline student enrollmentStudent to faculty ratio

8:1

Student to faculty ratio

Degrees Awarded by Program

Degrees given for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Programs

Doc

Area, Ethnic, Cultural, And Gender Studies

Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, And Group Studies

Biological And Biomedical Sciences

Computer And Information Sciences And Support Services

Education

English Language And Literature/Letters

Foreign Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics

History

Mathematics And Statistics

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Natural Resources And Conservation

Philosophy And Religious Studies

Physical Sciences

Psychology

Social Sciences

Visual And Performing Arts